The well encountered a thick section of Aptian salt as expected as well as well-developed sandstones in the Gamba and Dentale formations. However, there were no significant hydrocarbon shows in the target reservoirs, Ophir said.

Ophir's share of the Okala-1 well costs was partially covered by carries from the company's joint venture partners, the firm added.

Ophir CEO Nick Cooper commented in a company statement:

"Okala marks the end of Ophir's 2014 exploration campaign in Gabon. Initial analysis indicates that the well failed due to either source and/or charge issues at this location. The information gleaned from the 2014 programme will now be used to refine our understanding of the sub-salt basin architecture and source distribution and to direct future exploration activity on the blocks.

"The Titanium Explorer drillship will now move to Equatorial Guinea for a three well programme designed to enlarge and de-risk the resource base in Block R. At least a further five well results are expected from drilling in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania by October."

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